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NCA makes arrests in Gravesend and Shopshire in connection with people being smuggled into country in horseboxes

19:06, 28 April 2022

updated: 19:08, 28 April 2022

Two suspected members of an organised crime group have been arrested in connection with people being smuggled into the country in horseboxes.

Raids by the National Crime Agency this week saw a man arrested at a commercial yard in Gravesend.

A 28-year-old from Oswestry, Shropshire, was arrested. Picture: NCA
A 28-year-old from Oswestry, Shropshire, was arrested. Picture: NCA

Officers also seized mobile phones and a vehicle from the 50-year-old at a commercial yard on Tuesday.

Investigators believe separate concealments were built into vehicles, designed to hide people seeking to cross the border illegally.

This morning, a second man, 28, was arrested in Oswestry, Shropshire, on suspicion of immigration and drug importation offences.

Branch commander Lydia Bloomfield said: "Our investigation is focused on an organised crime group that we suspect has been smuggling both people and drugs into the UK by using concealments in horseboxes and Heavy Goods Vehicles.

"Tackling people smuggling remains a priority for the NCA, and we are currently leading more than 60 investigations into organised immigration crime.

"These investigations involve some of the highest harm, highest threat crime groups.

"We are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks involved in this exploitative crime."

Both men were questioned by NCA investigators and have been released on bail.

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